Expressing support for "National Public Lands Day" and encouraging the people of the United States to visit public lands on this fee-free day and recognize their spiritual and cultural value, as well as their contribution to the economy of the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 772
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-09T08:05:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 772) expresses support for "National Public Lands Day," an annual event on September 27, 2025, that promotes public engagement with federal lands. It encourages Americans to visit these lands on a fee-free day and recognize their spiritual, cultural, and economic importance.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution highlights the scale and value of U.S. public lands, including:
- Over 618 million acres managed by agencies like the Department of the Interior (DOI), National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Forest Service (FS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
- Specific management details, such as NPS overseeing 433 units across 85 million acres; BLM managing 263 wilderness areas and 21 million acres of protected lands; over 200 wild and scenic rivers; 32 national trails; and USFWS protecting 570 refuges covering 856 million acres of lands and waters.
- Multiple uses of public lands, including recreation, conservation, grazing, hunting, fishing, and resource development, which support rural economies and cultural traditions.
- Economic contributions: BLM lands generated $252 billion in output and 950,000 jobs in fiscal year 2024; outdoor recreation added $1.2 trillion to the economy in 2023.
- Biodiversity, cultural significance, and record visitation (331.9 million visits to NPS sites in 2024).
- History of National Public Lands Day since 1994, with millions of volunteers aiding restoration and maintenance.
- Core Resolution: The House of Representatives affirms support for the event and urges the public to visit public lands on September 27, 2025, to appreciate their historic, cultural, and economic roles.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a non-binding resolution, it does not amend statutes, create new laws, or enforce requirements. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional endorsement rather than legislative action.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces the roles of DOI, NPS, USFWS, FS, and BLM in land management and public access. It may indirectly boost volunteer participation and visitation, aiding maintenance efforts without adding new obligations.
- On Citizens: Encourages free access to public lands on the designated day, potentially increasing public awareness, recreation opportunities, and appreciation of natural and cultural resources. This could foster community involvement in conservation.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as the focus is domestic public lands and U.S. economic/cultural benefits.
- Broader Effects: Could enhance tourism and economic activity in rural areas by promoting visits, while highlighting biodiversity and volunteerism to support ongoing conservation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Land Management Agencies: DOI, NPS, USFWS, FS, and BLM, which oversee the highlighted lands and benefit from increased public support.
- Citizens and Volunteers: General public, especially those interested in outdoor activities, who are encouraged to participate; past and future volunteers since 1994.
- Rural Communities and Economies: Residents and businesses reliant on public lands for grazing, hunting, fishing, recreation, and tourism.
- Outdoor Recreation Industries: Companies and workers in tourism, guiding, and related sectors that contribute to the $1.2 trillion economic impact.
- Bipartisan Lawmakers: Introduced by Rep. Titus (D-NV) with 29 cosponsors from both parties, reflecting broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No binding effects or challenges to existing laws. Resolutions like this are common in Congress for raising awareness and do not require presidential approval or judicial review.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (diverse cosponsors from both parties) on environmental and economic issues. Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, it underscores Congress's role in promoting public engagement with federal resources without controversy. It aligns with ongoing efforts to balance conservation and multiple land uses, potentially influencing future appropriations or policies indirectly.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (34)
Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-26: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for "National Public Lands Day" and encouraging the people of the United States to visit public lands on this fee-free day and recognize their spiritual and cultural value, as well as their contribution to the economy of the United States. — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (3 pages)